Sectional couches can work in small rooms.

Although a sectional sofa can be a practical addition to just about any home, making the large piece work in a small room can seem intimidating, if not impossible. No need to worry. Plan the arrangement carefully and remove anything nonessential to make it seem like the couch was made just for your small room.

Position

With a large, room-defining item like a sectional sofa in a small room, positioning it is crucial to make the sectional work with the flow of your room and not make it overwhelm the space. Place the sectional against the wall somewhere that it doesn't block the entrance or exit to the room. By putting the sectional in a corner of the room, you keep the space open and less constricted. If your room has a defining focal point like bay windows or a fireplace, keep the sectional near or around this so attention is naturally drawn to the focal point and away from the bulky sofa.

Smart Accents

Use light-colored throw pillows or blankets on dark sectionals to make the room seem more open. Allow plenty of natural light to flow into the room to make the whole space seem larger and warmer. For especially small rooms, large mirrors on the walls over the sofa can reflect light as well as create the illusion of more space.

Spread it Out

Although your sectional couch might be fixed in your mind as one large piece, you can probably separate it into more manageable and function pieces. Separating the bulk of the one-piece section into smaller, less intimidating pieces will retain the function of couch without cluttering the room or blocking free space. Some sectionals may not have finished upholstery on the side that joins to other pieces, and the lack of an armrest on one side of the piece can look awkward.

Minimalism

With a small space, you have to get rid of everything that isn't essential, especially other furniture. Get rid of freestanding lamps or unused end tables - or tables that serve only as clutter magnets. Get rid of decorative chairs or benches; the sectional provides plenty of seating. Overall, with a large piece in a small space, you want to keep accessories and items to a minimum so the space is comfortable and functional rather than busy and cramped.